Quote by Walt Whitman

Their manners, speech, dress, friendships, -- the freshness and candor of their physiognomy -- the picturesque looseness of their carriage -- their deathless attachment to freedom -- their aversion to anything indecorous or soft or mean -- the practical acknowledgment of the citizens of one state by the citizens of all other states -- the fierceness of their roused resentment -- their curiosity and welcome of novelty -- their self-esteem and wonderful sympathy -- their susceptibility to a slight -- the air they have of persons who never knew how it felt to stand in the presence of superiors -- the fluency of their speech -- their delight in music, a sure symptom of manly tenderness and native elegance of soul -- their good temper and open-handedness -- the terrible significance of their elections, the President's taking off his hat to them, not they to him -- these too are unrhymed poetry. It awaits the gigantic and generous treatment worthy of it.

Their manners, speech, dress, friendships, -- the freshness

Summary

This quote highlights various characteristics and traits that define the American people. It praises their manners, freedom-loving nature, and aversion to anything indecorous or mean. The quote also points out their unity and curiosity towards novelty, as well as their self-esteem and sympathy. The fluency of their speech, love for music, and good temper are mentioned, emphasizing their positive qualities. The quote suggests that these qualities are like unrhymed poetry, and that the American people deserve a grand and generous treatment that appreciates their unique and exceptional nature.

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By Walt Whitman

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